Book Now

Sacred Circles: The Meaning of Mandalas in a Retreat in Bali

Sacred Circles: The Meaning of Mandalas in a Retreat in Bali

A shared ritual to begin the journey inward.

The word mandala means “sacred circle” in Sanskrit. Rooted in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, mandalas are symbols of the universe and the self — used for meditation, reflection, and spiritual alignment. In many cultures, the act of creating a mandala represents the journey from the outside world to the center of one’s being.

At Yama Balian, we bring this ancient practice to life in a grounded, collective way. Every retreat in Bali starts with the creation of a mandala during the opening ceremony — a group ritual that sets the tone for the days ahead.

The Mandala: A Ritual of Presence

Our mandalas are created using natural elements:

  • Fresh flowers like frangipani, hibiscus, jasmine, rose, and marigold

  • Green leaves as a symbol of life and renewal

  • Crystals, such as rose quartz, citrine or amethyst, to bring healing energy

  • Spices like cinnamon or clove for grounding

  • Small fruits as a nod to abundance

  • Incense or candles to purify the space

 

Each mandala is built slowly, from the center outward. This direction reflects the essence of the spiritual journey: beginning with the self, expanding toward the collective. It reminds us that what we place at the center — our intention — shapes everything around it.

Why We Begin Every Retreat With a Mandala

At Yama, we believe in the power of rituals to connect and anchor.

The floral mandala ceremony is more than something beautiful — it’s a way to arrive fully. It invites every guest to:

  • Be present

  • Connect with the group

  • Honor the beginning of a transformational experience

 

It’s a moment to slow down and breathe before the retreat begins — and to step into a shared space of awareness, clarity, and beauty.

A Wellness Retreat Rooted in Intention

This simple ritual reflects the deeper values of Yama: nature, connection, presence, and inner work. The mandala becomes a mirror — of the group, the land, the moment.

Whether you’re joining us for a yoga retreat, a creative immersion, or a few days of disconnection and reconnection, the mandala ceremony offers a powerful and grounding way to begin.

We open in stillness.

We begin in beauty.

We meet in the circle.

Hotel, Retreats & Community
Balian · Bali · Indonesia

2024 © YAMA BALIAN· All Rights Reserved

A temple to find your balance with community in nature.

Start a conversation

namaste@yamabalian.com

+62 811 3821 1411

Whatsapp Instagram

Payments and cancellations

  • Early Bird Discount will apply if we receive the full amount owing by midnight of the cut-off date. To qualify for the Early Bird Discount, you must pay the FULL amount before, or on the cut-off date. Starting a conversation prior to the cut-off date for the Early Bird Discount does not necessarily qualify you for the Early Bird Discount
  • ​All Course Fees are to be paid in full.

Refund Policy

  • Yama Balian and YogaCoach reserves the right to cancel the event if necessary. In the unlikely event that this occurs, a full refund of all monies will be returned to the client.
  • ​If a student withdraws from the course before 2 months (8 WEEKS) of retreat start date, he/she will be refunded the full retreat amount.
  • ​If a student withdraws between 8 weeks and 4 weeks before the retreat start date, you will get a 50% refund. Due to our need to commit to accommodation and other arrangements in advance, exceptions to our policy cannot be made for any reason.
  • If a student withdraws with less than 4 weeks before the retreat start date, the amount already paid will not be refunded.

Conditions

  • It is strongly recommended that students purchase Travel Insurance to cover any situation that may arise, such as illness, change of ticket dates, family emergency, etc. Students in the past have needed to use their travel insurance, so it is a very WISE investment.
  • ​85% attendance is required at each Yoga Teacher Training Course. In the event of sickness or other circumstances, YogaCoach will work closely with the student to ensure she/he can attain their certificate and transfer the money paid for the Yoga Teacher Training Course to another Yoga Teacher Training Course if necessary. This is where Travel Insurance comes in handy.
  • ​It is your responsibility to organize suitable travel and health insurance. Although we strongly encourage you to do so, you acknowledge that YogaCoach is not in the business of providing insurance products and cannot be held liable if your failure to arrange suitable insurance coverage leaves you exposed, medically, financially or otherwise. 
  • ​If you postpone your training fee to other courses due to personal issues. You will not be eligible for a refund.
  • Your course fees are not transferable to other students or other courses.
  • It is your responsibility to communicate with us in regards the progress of your course.

Force Majeur

  • Yama Balian & YogaCoach will not be liable for failure to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement during any period in which such party cannot perform due to fire, earthquake, flood, or another natural disaster, pandemic, epidemic, explosion, casualty, war, terrorism, embargo, riot, civil disturbance, the act of a public enemy, an act of God, or the intervention of any government authority, or similar cause beyond either party’s control, YogaCoach would not be liable for refunds, loss of income or investment

Disclaimer of warranties

  • ​We do not guarantee, represent or warrant that your use of our service will be uninterrupted, timely, secure or error-free. We do not warrant that the results that may be obtained from the use of the service will be accurate or reliable. You agree that from time to time we may remove the service for indefinite periods of time or cancel the service at any time, without notice to you. You expressly agree that your use of, or inability to use, the service is at your sole risk. The service and all products and services delivered to you through the service are (except as expressly stated by us) provided ‘as is’ and ‘as available for your use, without any representation, warranties or conditions of any kind, either express or implied, including all implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, merchantable quality, fitness for a particular purpose, durability, title, and non-infringement. In no case shall YogaCoach Ltd. our directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents, contractors, interns, suppliers, service providers or licensors be liable for any injury, loss, claim, or any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, special, or consequential damages of any kind, including, without limitation lost profits, lost revenue, lost savings, loss of data, replacement costs, or any similar damages, whether based in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise, arising from your use of any of the service or any products procured using the service, or for any other claim related in any way to your use of the service or any product, including, but not limited to, any errors or omissions in any content, or any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the service or any content (or product) posted, transmitted, or otherwise made available via the service, even if advised of their possibility. Because some states or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or the limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, in such states or jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.